It details how you can use a smartphone or a relatively inexpensive
tablet as a widescreen GPS device on your motorcycle, saving hundreds of
dollars off the cost of a dedicated Garmin or TomTom GPS.

In fact, the movement from dedicated GPS units to smartphone- or tablet-based GPS
is picking up steam, although where it will all end is still to be
determined.

The good news is that you can have a GPS system on your smartphone
for free, or hack together a tablet-based widescreen system for as
little as $125.00.

You'll need a smartphone, of course, or an inexpensive tablet
with GPS, the handlebar mount (see below) and the GPS mapping software, which is
free.

This article can be considered as Part 2 of the original story.

It
focuses on the Nokia HERE system, which is a well-kept secret gem when
it comes to maps. It also has two significant features missing in many
other mapping systems: free downloadable maps for off-line use and route
planning.

Nokia HERE

This review is focused on the free Nokia HERE map software, because
while it may not be
as well-known as the ubiquitous Google Maps but is a very interesting
and worthy competitor, perfect for using on a smartphone or tablet as a GPS on a
motorcycle.

HERE currently has maps for many countries and the software has a
simple and clean interface.

One of the main benefits of using HERE is that stand-alone HERE maps can be downloaded for free, which allow
off-line use on most smartphones and tablets with GPS. This is crucial when you don't
have an active cell connection, as can often happen when you're on a
long ride.

The ability to use off-line maps is key to saving a lot of data
charges and you can tell the HERE system to go off-line and use the maps
you have
downloaded while you ride.

All you have to do is download the HERE map
app, mount the phone or tablet on your bike and you're ready to go.

It's cheap, there aren't many compromises and GPS systems like this should
only get better in the future.

HTC One phone (L) and Hisense Pro tablet.

Summary

I had been looking for an intuitive and accurate GPS system that can
work offline without the expense of a dedicated GPS unit. I also wanted to be able to leverage touch screen technology to
quickly use the maps on the limited real estate a PDA offers.

I think the Nokia HERE Maps
system is the solution because it works well and local maps can be
downloaded and used off-line.

Background

A little background: My riding technique entails getting lost and
eventually trying to find out where I am. I always carry paper maps, but
I use GPS to determine my location and then I use the paper maps for the broader
overview.

I also love the back roads but I am incapable of remembering
more than one or two roads ahead; that's where the "lost" part comes in.
The Nokia HERE map system has worked well for me.

I chose
the Strap-Nav because itís water resistant, it can be strapped on in a
couple of orientations, and I feel this design transmits fewer
vibrations than a hard mount. Plus, it fits my HTC One phone.

The Strap-Nav has two components: The
holder, which has long hook-and-loop straps and a padded case with cross straps
to hold the phone tight to the plastic window; and a separate
waterproof "goggle" or clear cover that attaches to the holder with
hook-and-loop.

It isnít what youíd call elegant, but it seems sturdy and the touch-sensitive
features of the phone work through the plastic. It is just large enough
for the HTC One phone if I use a 90% micro-USB charger cable.

The hook-and-loop straps
are 20" long and heavy-duty; long enough to strap the phone to my arm. I
might try this at some point, but for now I strapped it to the riser and
the windshield brace; itís vertical and out of the way of the
instruments.

The zipper on the Strap-Nav appears to be sturdy and water-resistant. The goggle
or clear cover
part seems cumbersome and interferes with the touch screen.

If the
weather gets bad when using it, Iíll probably just put the phone in a Ziplock bag
inside the holder.

Handlebar Tablet Mounts

There are many other mounting systems for tablets and smartphones,
with more appearing every day. Here's a link to a variety of
motorcycle handlebar tablet mounts
with prices starting as low as around $20.00.

Don't Forget Power

The Optimate USB charger
($29.60) has served me well. Iíll
probably upgrade to the waterproof version and if I could find the
2100mA version for sale somewhere (whatís up with that?), Iíd probably
get that one.

The 1000mA version doesnít have the juice to charge the
tablet while itís using the GPS, although it can charge it if the GPS is
inactive.

GPS Smartphones and Tablets

The mobile gear I'm using is an HTC One phone and a Hisense Sero 7
Pro tablet (which can be difficult to find); both are
Android devices. Other brands of inexpensive tablets can be used, as
long as they have built-in GPS.

Windows mobile users already have HERE
on their Windows phone but may have overlooked it or dismissed it as bloatware.
Believe me, it's not.

Also, to many people, Nokia is a company that disappeared after the
recent
Microsoft purchase. It's actually alive and very well, focusing on
profitable data networks, a massive patent portfolio, and software of
which HERE maps is the jewel in the crown.

For example, Nokia HERE provides Geographic Information System (GIS)
services for governments and other mapping providers and HERE is the
engine behind Bing and Yahoo! Maps.

Nokia also provides HERE services for Android, the Sailfish OS and FirefoxOS
operating systems. More information on HERE can also be found, well,
here (Wikipedia).

That article states that "HERE has maps in nearly 200 countries,
offers voice guided navigation in 94 countries, provides live traffic
information in 33 countries and has indoor maps available for about
49,000 unique buildings in 45 countries."

I mention this because they
have a lot invested in their mapping service, so support isn't an issue
and whatever shortcomings it has will, very likely, be dealt with.

HERE is now available for iOS (see B.P.'s comment below), and the mapping site can be accessed via any browser and it is a very
good alternative to Google Maps.

To get started, you have to install the HERE app and download
the maps for the region youíre interested in. I live in the U.S., so
I chose to download the entire North and Central America map database.

This comes as one big package and is
7.1 GB of information.

I like this as opposed to downloading each state
or region separately, but it does take time and space. You can also
download just the U.S.A. map database or the individual state maps,
which are anywhere from about 250 MB to 600 MB in size.

There are three map
overlays: a basic map which is nicely detailed and exhibits route
numbers; a transportation map, which shows public transport in your area;
and a satellite view, which is very detailed.

Additionally, you get a lot
of information about services, restaurants and even real-time traffic
information in any given area . I
tested it by searching for a local "dive" -- very local and very dive-y.
HERE came up with the phone
and address.

Much of the mapping info is crowdsourced, so if something isnít
available you can send info and it will be added when confirmed (click
on "Feedback" at the bottom of the HERE map).

You may have to register
for a free HERE account first (you can log in with a Facebook account
also).

Most of
this information is available offline and this is the key point here:
If youíre lost somewhere and need a gas station but you have no data
connection, this info is now in your device, always.

If you want to lay
out a route you can do it in the comfort of your snow cave in Patagonia.
Satellite of Love indeed...

The HERE interface is cleanly arranged and most
features are available within two taps. Turn on your device
(e.g., smartphone or tablet) and
open the HERE app and it finds your location quickly.

A narrowing green circle
shows the increasing precision as GPS satellites are accessed.

Iím a big fan of touch screens and the main HERE map is easily
manipulated with various gestures. Tap with one finger to
enlarge and with two fingers to shrink. Or use a pinch/expand gesture to do
the same.

Use two fingers to rotate the map or two fingers together to
nudge it into a foreshortened (3D) view. This map doesnít auto
rotate, all the other map views do.

You can also scroll over
terrain using one finger. Itís nicely weighted so you can push
things along, and itís sort of a 3D flyover effect. The map is
shaded to give some sense of the topography but it is by no
means a topo map.

It's interesting to note that if you go to the GPS guidance
screen (see below) you can modify the map to include 3D building
views and landmarks. This is a curious place to put global
settings that arenít available elsewhere.

The landmarks are very
nicely rendered.

Map Interface Icons

Starting at the upper left and moving clockwise (see numbered image
at left), the HERE map interface icons
include the following (red numbers added to indicate the positions):

Three Horizontal Bars: Touch to open the global menu. You can select and
download maps, go offline, choose where to store your maps if you have
an SD card slot and access other functions.

Many are also accessible
contextually so thereís no need to dig much deeper here. It does allow
you to to go directly to the drive menu, select a location via search or
history, and get on your way.

Search Box: You can type in a location, or if you tap it, a window comes
up with a menu that allows you to select a destination based on specific
services like restaurants or gas stations. Your history is also
displayed.

Search works in both on- and off-line modes, but online will give you more choices.

For
example: "gas station" came up empty offline, but if I type in "exxon", a
list is displayed, including distance from location, but the local one wasnít
there. Online, it was very detailed.

This is one of a number of ways to select a location.

Arrow Icon: This brings you to the route planning page (more detail
below).

Double Stars: This brings up your favorites list/to do
list/ and neighborhood list. Places to store information. New lists can
be created. This info is automatically synched between your devices.

Compass Icon (Not Shown): You can orient the map any way youíd like using
two
fingers to rotate. At this point the compass icon appears and you can
tap it to return to a north/south orientation. It then discreetly
disappears.

"Layer" Icon: Press this to select a map layer. There are 3
choices: road map, satellite view, and transportation view. All are
clear and detailed.

HERE Logo: Lets you know you're using the HERE app.

Green Circle: Takes you back to your location.

The Route Creation Process

One of the unique features of HERE is the ability to do route
planning. There are many ways to select a destination in the HERE map. You can
enter a search for a specific place, address or destination or tap a location.

The tap may have haptic feedback on your device and a
blue flag marks the location. The address and arrow icon appear at the
bottom of the screen You can immediately tap the arrow icon and you will
go to the route selection window.

You can also access your favorites lists and select one. A yellow flag will appear
and you can then tap the arrow icon for the route page.

Or, go directly to the route page (tap the arrow icon next to the search
window, or tap drive in the main menu ) and select a destination from
your history, or do a search there.

You can also tap the search bar and search using specific service lists or
history.

Finally, you can enter GPS coordinates in the search window. I copied and pasted from
an app I have called "GPS
Status" (Google Play), which requires a coordinate in decimal
format.

While HERE can do this, it doesnít seem to be a preferred method. It would be
nice to be able to download waypoints from Adventure Rider and create a
route, but they use a different format. This is Back Country Nav
territory.

After tapping the arrow icon, youíll come
to a route planning page. Across the top you can select your mode of
transportation. Below that is your from/to, and next to that is a
reverse path icon.

To get back to your origin just tap it for the return
journey.

Simple, but I could never find out how to do this with Navfree -- never. Below youíll see a gear icon. Tap it and you can choose what
kind of roads you want to included in the route.

This is also available
in the global settings but itís much more useful here. Below that are
your possible routes. No need to make a choice yet - just tap one and
you go to the route map window.

Route Map Window

In this window youíll see a route map. At the
bottom thereís a blue area with route information. If you are online, it
will include traffic info, otherwise not.

If this isnít the route you
wanted, have no fear. If you swipe this blue area sideways you can
scroll the different routes offered. When you pull it up you reveal
concise driving directions.

Tap any direction on that list and it will
show a close-up map of that section. Hit the back arrow to return to a
full view.

Itís pretty sweet and simple. Unfortunately, you canít alter a
given route directly on the screen as you can on the website. This map
will auto rotate and is open to touch screen manipulation
(magnification, orientation etc.).

Also, a large ± button is added
for gloved hands. Once you have the route you want, tap the start icon
and the GPS guidance screen comes up.

Oxford Strap-Nav and another view of the mounted smartphone.

Before You Go Offline

Once you download the offline maps in HERE, you may want to select the "Use
map offline" box in the HERE main menu. This will save a lot of data and
unexpected roaming charges, so be sure to remember to tick this box before
setting out on a journey.

GPS Guidance Screen

The GPS guidance screen three sections.

The top has the travel icon and the present location. Pull down and
you will get the travel directions list. Tapping them doesnít bring up
close-up maps as in the route map window; pull down again and youíre
back to the original view.

The guidance map is customizable to show 3D buildings and
landmarks. It is also responsive to touch gestures. If you want to
travel the route you can change magnification and scroll around using
one finger.

Once you start scrolling the map fills the whole screen. A
tap brings the information sections back, as well as returning you to
your location.

At the bottom is MPH, time, ETA and estimated time of travel. If you
want to change the displayed information, or map settings, pull up on
this section and a number of options present themselves:

Some of these are global settings. For example, if you choose 3D
buildings, these will show up on all the maps. This can only be changed
from this menu. Others -- though acting globally -- can be accessed
contextually.

Alternate Routes

this takes you back one step to make another
choice.

HERE Performance

So how well does it guide? Very well, thank you very much. I donít
usually use GPS while driving but I ran some tests.

These included going
places via routes Iíd never used before, and if youíre familiar with
Boston, you know they included rotaries and multi branching roads that
met by chance 200 years ago.

I didnít use the map while driving ( I
prefer not killing people), relying on voice and the upper icon for
guidance. The upper icon changed as the road changed and gave me a clear
idea, at a glance, of which lane to be in, which exit off the rotaries I
had to take, and what was coming up.

The guide voice I have is that of a
fairly stern British woman. She speaks concisely with a human cadence.

When you approach an exit or turn, a scintilla of excitement and urgency
enters her voice -- thrilling.

You can download other voices and other
languages, but Iím sticking to this disciplinarian for now (donít get
me started)Ö

As with other GPS guidance, it sometimes had trouble when
reaching the destination. I found this also with Google Maps and Navfree. But
it always got me there, and took some routes I hadnít used for years.

I
also tested whether it could compensate for deviating from the chosen
route and adjust on the fly; it could, and did it without a glitch. If
alternate routes were available it switched to them (and some were
pretty obscure). If none were, it strongly recommended a U-turn.

Nokia HERE real time traffic report. Note "Feedback" screen open at lower right; this is where you
can report a map issue or new/updated/incorrect address.

The HERE app leverages social networking and device
synching. This can be useful for meeting other riders and letting people
know where you are. It can also help you recall special places on the
route.

Letís go back to where you chose your destination. If you tap the
marker, a pop up offering you to "collect" or "share" appears.

Collect

This letís you add it to an existing collection or to
create a new one. Iím using this on two Android devices and my history,
favorites, etc. are shared automatically between the devices.

Additionally, my online account on my main computer (a Mac), is also
synched. Not sure if this done automatically with my Google account or
it's a function of the Nokia HERE system, but Iím guessing
Nokia.

Share UsingÖ

TThis lets you send the marker info via any social
apps you have, or to any relevant storage apps like Dropbox or note-taking apps. It also can share via
Bluetooth when offline.

Example: I sent myself
an email and I received a URL that took me to the HERE website and
showed my location on the map. If youíre planning to have a friend meet
you, this would be very handy, as they can now plan a route from their
location.

Share Using lympse

Glympse is an interesting app.
From their website: "Glympse is a fast, free, and simple way to share
your location in real time with the people you trust. Send a Glympse to
your friends to let them know you're on your way.

Request a Glympse of
your friend who is always running late. Create a group for your family
reunion."

I clicked on it
and sent a text to myself. The text had a URL that took me to a map with
my location. At this point the map will track you in real time -- leaving
a "breadcrumb" type trail -- and give ETA info.

You can set how long this map will be
viewable by the recipient, with a maximum time of 4 hours. You can see
how this could be useful either in letting others see where you are, or,
if you're meeting someone and they have Glympse, you can track each
other.

I can see my friends yelling at the tracker: "Turn right you
dork, not left, RIGHTÖ". But no one said it would be pretty. It isn't
necessary for the
recipient to have the app; in fact, the capability must be embedded in
HERE because I donít have the Glympse app installed separately.

Important: when not in use, it does
not track you, it only activates when you activate it.

Sharing From the Computer

I havenít been able to to share routes
from the computer to PDAs. This would be great since the maps are more
malleable on the computer. The computer based account has "share to car"
with Volvo and Mercedes listed, so it seems reasonable that this
functionality will be expanded in the future.

Just as Favorites are synched between PDAs and your computer-based
HERE account, Favorites added on the computer will also synch to your
PDAs. I think this kind of networking is part of what makes the app
special.

Conclusion

I have found Nokia HERE to be an excellent app. What it does is essentially
pretty basic -- GPS guidance -- but all the moving parts are in one place
and they all work well; in this aspect it is unique.

The ability to
create routes offline is great and not possible with all offline apps.
The maps are detailed, accurate and pretty much cover the entire earth.
The interface, with minor caveats, is well thought out and intuitive;
it is a pleasure to use.

It can synch and share. It isnít sandboxed so
it takes full advantage of the OS, and apps that youíre familiar with.

To be honest, most of the features Iíve noted I would never have found if
I wasnít writing a review. When testing, I typed a location, chose a
route, tapped drive, stuck my phone in a cup holder and away we went.

I
hit the reverse arrows and drove home. Itís as simple and reliable as
that. The rest is there if you need it, or want it.

Nokia takes HERE
very seriously. According to their website, they employ about 6,000
people on the project, and crowd source to about 80,000 people. In fact,
they have a map creator section on the website that would enable you to
contribute.

According to the site, they make exactly 2.7 million updates
daily -- thatís a lot -- but Iím sure it doesnít include holidays. They
just signed a contract with Samsung to supply HERE to their devices.

In short:
It is well supported and Iím guessing it will continue to be. Iíd like
to hear user experiences from riders who are using it on a regular
basis.

Other Off-Line GPS Apps

This article is about using a tablet for GPS instructions while
riding a motorcycle and that means off-line GPS. Other map software that
can be used off-line includes:

Navmii Navfree: It's free and open
source (two things I love) and it works, but itís clumsy, it doesnít
leverage touchscreen technology or social networks. Its icon-based menu is
frustrating to use.

I found it discouraged curiosity, so it might have
functionality I donít know about but when basic things like "search" are
difficult; you just stop caring.

It also exhibits local road names over
route numbers until you zoom in, but since zooming is a "tap-tap-tap" affair,
it all becomes time consuming. As far as I can tell, you canít create
routes off-line.

But once you get it going, it works well and has helped
me out of some jams. The maps (by Mapquest) are good and are updated
regularly.

Back Country Navigator:
This is another kettle of fish. Itís very
sophisticated and has numerous possible map overlays including BLM and
topographical maps. The free default is the same used by Navfree and it
is good (Mapquest).

It has the capability creating GPS tracking maps.
For the right person it would be an valuable tool.

It is not free and
certain maps cost extra, but as you get further into the boonies on
extended trips, Iíll bet itís worth the price of entry (about $10.00). I have it on my PDAs and as I venture deeper into the
GPS world
I can see using it in conjunction with HERE.

Sygic:-
Claims to be the most downloaded off-line map app of all time. Works
primarily with off-line maps. Downside is that it's not free; a license
must be purchased (currently $34-$70 plus more for extras) but then you
get free map updates for life.

From "B.P." (August 2015): "Just a minor update to "Using a
Tablet as a GPS: Part 2." Peter Harris wrote that "HERE isn't available for iOS
at the moment, although the mapping site can be accessed via any browser and it
is a very good alternative to Google Maps."

I'm sure Mr. Harris anticipated this, and for anyone interested: now,
a year and a half since that excellent article was published, HERE is
available as an iOS app.

I don't know when it was officially released for iOS, but it
certainly is alive and well now -- I've recently ditched an ancient
Garmin that I used to use on the bike in favor of HERE on my iPhone 6."

From "J.S." (April 2015): "After reading you Part II article, I
decided to give this option a go. I have been using an automotive type Garmin
for the last five years but was ready for an upgrade. Especially wanted a unit
that would accept GPX file uploads.

The flexibility and cost of the tablet
option was the main reason for going that route.

I bought a factory
refurbished Hisense Pro and the Ram X finger mount. Total investment so far is
about $150. I tried the HERE software first and while it is an excellent option
it did not have the functionality that I was wanting.

All my trips are normally
planned ahead of time turn by turn and I was not able to do that with the HERE
software.

Next I tried the MapFactor Navigator which has been exactly what I was
looking for. Did a fair amount of web forum surfing but sorted out how to load
GPX files directly to the tablet into the MapFactor software.

This is what
really sealed the deal for me with this software.

In short, I can plan my trips
as such: use Google Maps on the computer to plan the route, export the route as
a KML/KMZ file, import into software like Garmin Basecamp to convert this file
to a GPX file, use a free MapFactor converter to import the GPX file into the
MapFactor software.

And then hit the road without needing any data plan up to
this point and all free software.

My wife and I recently rode our newly
purchased 2014 Ducati Multistrada (report) from Florida to Illinois, a 1,200 mi trip,
using the tablet and MapFactor. Worked great...and you can't beat the price and
functionality.

Still working out a few of the kinks like where to mount the
tablet now that I have a tank bag installed since there is no room on the handle
bar without interfering with the bag. Laying it flat made it unreadable due to
glare.

Ended up mounting a Ram ball directly to the top of the tank bag so I
could tilt the screen enough to get rid of the glare.

I rarely buy anything
without checking your site first for a review first. Thanks for all the info you
provide and keep it up! I am a big fan!"

From "F.K." (January 2015): "I've been looking at the use of a
phone (tablet) as a GPS for a couple months now. Right now, I'm using a Samsung
Galaxy 5 Active paired with
Sygic GPS/Routing
application.

The phone is waterproof and dustproof (IP67), and will replace my
Zumo 550. Though the phone is (allegedly) waterproof, but I am debating
further waterproofing via a Otterbox type case or a zippered case as you
show.

The Galaxy 5 has one of the brightest screens available -- a
reason for choosing it.

There are some groups working on making routes from applications such
as Google, Michelin and others. The app and maps are based on TomTom
mapping.

Overall, it is pretty workable, but does have its own quirks. I have
not decided whether these quirks are a deal-breaker, yet. Large phone,
phablet, and phone are the wave of the future.

Getting these devices
mounted and keeping them dry is going to be the trick.

Applications and interfaces are almost there, and with the GPS language
translators, planning route on a large screen computer and moving the
routes to the portable devices is getting to be almost easy."

From "J.J." (January 2015): "I'm glad I came across your
article on using a tablet as a GPS. I've been doing this with my Nexus 10 since
last summer. I find that it works very well. I started off with
Sygic and have tried
Copilot as well.

The most frustrating part I've found so far is a lack of tools to do
significant route planning. I'd love to be able to do more turn by turn
setups if it were available. Please do publish another article if you
find something that will do this. I'd love to hear about it."

Editor's Reply: The Nokia HERE map system does route
planning, as described in the article above.